Charlie,
I could easily harbor some feelings of envy for reasons that you might relate to.
All my cousins grew up and stayed in their local hometowns in Maine. The Gamache family in Lisbon Falls and the Lucas family in Old Orchard Beach/York, Maine. For most of my childhood, I relocated every several years. And as an adult, the moves were more often than I would have wished for.
The John and Madeline Lucas family has seven children (my first cousins) and lived in a huge house. In contrast to my father’s Navy career, I thought I would put down roots in a small town and have a large family. I also wanted a multi-generational home. Lol.
A historical note is appropriate. The large house I envied was the Lucas family home. In August 2012, it became the York Harbor Inn’s newest luxury property: Chapman Cottage and Tavern. It is on my to-do list to stay there someday.
Interestingly, my wife Pam’s family is smaller than mine. And she and our two children are quite enough. I am grateful that we all live within a few minutes of each other. If Pam agreed, I would have become a DIY guy and built a “tiny” home. She won’t, and I haven’t. Are you familiar with the concept? That is a significant change in direction. Lol.
John, IV
